Sports Minister Kofi Adams addressing journalists during a briefing on World Cup travel arrangements

Ghana Warns Football Fans Over Fake World Cup Slot Scams

Nukunya Desk
May 21, 2026
Football

Ghana’s Sports Minister has warned football fans against fraudsters claiming they can secure special World Cup travel slots through unofficial channels ahead of the tournament.

ACCRA, Ghana —

Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has warned football fans against fraudsters and middlemen falsely claiming they can secure special World Cup travel slots through the ministry ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The warning comes as demand for World Cup tickets, supporter travel packages and overseas tournament arrangements increases among Ghanaian football fans, raising concerns about potential scams targeting supporters through unofficial channels. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Adams said neither the ministry nor the World Cup Oversight Committee had authorised any individual or private company to collect money or promise guaranteed travel opportunities for supporters. “I don’t know what people mean by slots. There is nothing like slots,” the minister said.

The Ministry distances itself from unofficial travel offers

Mr Adams said the ministry had only undertaken a verification and evaluation process involving travel and tour operators interested in facilitating arrangements for Ghanaians travelling to the tournament. “We have not given contracts to any travel and tour company,” he said, adding that the verification exercise was intended to ensure operators met acceptable standards and reduce the risk of supporters being defrauded. The minister also said the National Supporters Union had been involved in efforts to fairly select representatives from across the country for sponsorship support linked to the World Cup.

FIFA ticketing warnings echo global scam concerns

FIFA has repeatedly advised supporters to purchase World Cup tickets only through officially authorised channels and to avoid unofficial intermediaries offering guaranteed access or travel packages. Major international football tournaments have increasingly become targets for ticket fraud, fake travel packages and unauthorised supporter schemes as demand for overseas travel opportunities grows. Ghanaian authorities have in previous tournaments also warned football fans about fake ticketing offers and unauthorised travel agents targeting supporters online and through social media platforms. Consumer protection agencies and football associations in several countries have repeatedly urged supporters to verify ticket vendors, travel operators and accreditation offers before making payments.

Demand for World Cup travel increases fraud risks

Sports analysts say supporters are often vulnerable to scams during major tournaments because of high demand, limited ticket availability and unofficial intermediaries promising privileged access. The Ghana Football Association has not announced any official public sale process linked to supporter travel packages beyond FIFA-authorised ticketing arrangements. Officials say efforts are continuing to coordinate travel planning and supporter activities while reducing the risk of fraud and confusion surrounding unofficial offers. The Sports Ministry said it remained committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement as preparations continue for Ghanaian supporters expected to travel for the tournament.

Authorities urge caution ahead of the tournament.

Consumer advocates have urged football fans to rely only on officially verified ticketing and travel channels and to avoid making payments through informal brokers, social media intermediaries or unverified travel agents. Officials also advised supporters to confirm all travel arrangements, accommodation bookings and World Cup ticket purchases through authorised providers before transferring money. With anticipation for the tournament continuing to build, authorities say public vigilance will be essential to preventing supporters from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Sources: GNA